Bhutan Cultural Tour

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, offering spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival, you will be greeted by the guide and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”. Next visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day, you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan’s second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to the valley floor. This evening you transfer to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast we visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Nunnery Temple, Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley), Majestic Thimphu Dzong, and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. Afternoon visits the famous Weekend Market. Stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It’s fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. This is perhaps a good opportunity for photography and to mingle with locals who come from the nearby villages to sell their farm products. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight in Punakha.

In the morning, you will spend some time in exploring the typical Wangduephodrang town. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. You will then drive to Gangtey through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons. Gangtey is a beautiful place surrounded by snowcapped mountains in the distance with a landscape of rolling hills and green meadows. It is situated at an altitude of 2900m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Gangtey Monastery is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. You will explore Phobjikha villages. Later in the evening, you drive back to Punakha. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro via Dochula pass. Here you will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. You will stop at Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, continue drive to Paro. In the evening, you can visit a traditional farmhouse which offers the opportunity to mingle with local people and their lifestyle. If you wish, you can experience a local wine produced by a brewery of wheat or rice. Overnight in Paro.

After early breakfast, drive to the airport for departure. Today you bid farewell to the Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we transfer you to the airport in the morning depending on the flight schedule and your destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.